PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Police Command has busted an armed robbery syndicate that specializes in ambushing and robbing unsuspecting passengers who board their vehicles at gunpoint, a popularly criminal activity known as “one-chance” in the Nigerian parlance.

A statement signed by the Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko and made available to newsmen on Thursday stated that the arrests followed a crackdown order handed down by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu.

The statement disclosed that the arrests were made between April and July 2024 in different parts of the state.

SP Iringe-Koko, breaking down the details, explained that on April 4, 2024, operatives of the Command apprehended a four-man gang notorious for terrorising residents in Eliozu and Rumuodara areas of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

She noted that suspects were caught with weapons, including locally made pistols, rifles, and knives, as well as stolen tricycles and phones.

Iringe-Koko added that the police also recovered a Toyota Carina used by a gang from Abia State to rob a woman in June 2024, explaining that the gang had attempted to rob the same woman again on July 6, 2024, but were apprehended by passers-by and the police.

The Police Spokesperson said the gang usually pose as tricycle drivers and passengers, targeting innocent citizens, robbing them of their valuables from 7 pm daily.

She identified some of the suspects as Arinze Onovo, 32 years old from Enugu State and Bright Okere, 29 years old from Rivers State , were arrested by the Elimgbu Division, adding that a tricycle and a kitchen knife were recovered from them, adding that efforts were underway to apprehend the remaining gang members and retrieve their operational weapons.

Speaking further, Iringe-Koko noted that on March 8, 2024, during a routine patrol in Etche Local Government Area, officers of the command intercepted one 22 years old Terry Monday, from Akwa-Ibom State, and Chile Sunday, 24 years old, As at from Abia State, adding that they admitted to being part of a gang based in Abia State that steals tricycles in Rivers State and sells them in Abia.

“They were caught diverting a stolen tricycle and were found with a tricycle, a locally made pistol, and a cartridge. The police are still searching for two other gang members, including an ex-convict, who fled the scene.

“On April 27, 2024, at around 7:45 am, operatives conducted a stop and search on Eneka Road and arrested Joshua Chukwuemeka, 23, a tricycle driver from Imo State.

“A search revealed a locally made rifle and a live cartridge in his possession. He led the police to his gang’s hideout in Ogbo, Ahoada East Local Government Area, where his accomplice, Martins Gods power, 24, from Ogbo, was arrested.

“The police recovered the rifle, cartridge, and their operational tricycle and are still investigating.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended his men for their efforts and assured residents of the state of the police commitment in fighting crime to a standstill.

Disu however warned criminals in the state to desist from their actions, emphasizing that there would be no hiding place for those who refuse to repent.